I am a die-hard Hemingway fan, so you’ll just have to endure another stretch title for this post. The thought, though, is for us to think for a moment in the opposite direction of most Foodie Friday posts: about scarcity, depravation and the absence of food. Sounds awful, doesn’t it?!

Image from The Graphics Fairy

Let’s ease our way into the conversation with just the idea of giving up something you enjoy from time to time: For many, this is the season of Lent. It is observed by different religions in different manners, but I was raised to choose a well-liked item or habit and refrain from it between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Many religious denominations observe this forty day period of “fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline set aside for reflection.” Whether you are religious or not, I’ve found that this annual period of abstaining gives me better health, focus, clarity and a feeling of spring cleaning my life, in a way.

Likewise, many cultures and religious denominations around the world occasionally participate in a fast or period of abstinence for health, holiday, spiritual or other reasons. It has become more and more commonplace for diets or new year’s resolutions to kick off with a cleanse (our friend Fawn recently blogged about her motivation and experience doing a three day cleanse).

My good friend Srividya who was born in India and now lives in northwest Arkansas recently shared with me the Hindu approach to avoidance of eggs, garlic and other foods. I’m intrigued by the world’s vastly differing approach to food and learning about new ways to season or prepare meals.

That’s Ainsley discovering her affinity for Indian food at Ms. Srividya’s house.
I’ll share the details of the meal over on The Food Adventuress!

If in love absence makes the heart go fonder, the same can be said of food. In the past, my forty days have included abstaining from chocolate, bread (definitely my heart grows fonder on both those counts) and soda (in which case I remember why it is not a healthy habit in general).

Whether you have given up certain types of food in the past for spiritual, health, cultural or other reasons, would you tell us about your experience? What did you discover, what was your approach or what permanent tweaks have you made? What does a healthy relationship with food look like for you?

In having this discussion, it’s also important that we remind ourselves of our great fortune in having such a conversation. The ability to abstain from a food usually indicates its abundance and our own fortune. Food scarcity, food insecurity and utter depravation are also normal throughout the world.

There are countless noble philanthropic organizations throughout our state and nation, but as Arkansas Women Bloggers it’s important to note that Arkansas is home to two phenomenal organizations that combat hunger: Heifer International and the Arkansas Rice Depot. Dozens of charitable organizations across the state such as the Samaritan Center work to ensure that children who may not have access to three meals a day on weekends or school holidays receive support.

Heifer International is Arkansas-based, but globally-focused.

As you consider your own healthy choices, less-than-healthy past choices and developing a life that includes a healthy relationship with food, consider your good fortune in having rather than having not.

Tell us all about your thoughts on this subject in the comments below, please!